AlamanceCounty reported its first rabies case of the year on Tuesday after state lab results showed that a raccoon that fought with three dogs on Terry Smith Trail last month tested positive for the virus.

According to the Alamance County Health Department, the fight occurred on January 30 in the northwestern part of the county. The raccoon was shot by the dogs’ owner during the altercation and then sent to the state laboratory, where it later tested positive for rabies.

The three dogs involved in the altercation were not current on their rabies vaccinations and were euthanized after exposure to the raccoon.

“It’s unfortunate that these dogs were not up-to-date on shots,” Alamance County Health Department Environmental Health Director Carl Carroll said. “State law requires rabies vaccination for dogs and cats to protect them and the people that care for them.”

There were six total rabies cases in AlamanceCounty for 2012. In addition, there were a total of 432 rabies cases statewide in 2012.

If bitten by any animal, wash the wound with soap and running water for 10 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control.

If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address and give this information to animal control or the health department. Do not try to catch any wild animal.

For more information or questions about rabies control, vaccination requirements, or upcoming clinics, contact the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at 336-570-6367.